The resilience and sense of community displayed after ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper reminds us of Cape York’s strength as locals prepare for another severe weather event. Photo: Supplied.
As newsfeeds are inundated with warnings about Tropical Cyclone Narelle and the region prepares for another significant weather event, one group reminds us that Cape York is home to some of the strongest, most resilient people around, no matter what happens.
It was 17 December 2023 when floodwaters swallowed the Wallaby Creek Festival site after days of relentless rain from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
With Wallaby Creek on one side and Annan River on the other, the water climbed fast, eventually lapping at the roofline of the shower block — five metres high and built on the site’s highest ground.
The twisted tangle of wreckage and 20 centimetres of mud covering the 25-acre site would have been enough to make anyone give up, but not Cape York.
Cape York did what Cape York does best, turning devastation into a triumphant showcase of resilience and community.
Festival director Jen Midgley said the months of clean-up seemed never-ending, but people donated their time, money and skills to recover and replace as much as possible.
“We came through not by chance, but because of the extraordinary hands and hearts of our volunteers, who worked tirelessly to protect what they could and restore what they couldn’t,” she said.
“Their dedication is the reason we are still standing today.”
Locals got their hands dirty at weekly working bees for months on end, salvaging 49 stretcher beds for performers, along with all bedding and sleeping bags.
Wallaby Creek Festival volunteer coordinator Pasha Lynch enlisted more hands, organising backpackers to help with clean-up efforts for four months through the 88-day visa program.
Shipping containers on the site were emptied and washed down with the help of local Colin Edmunds and the Rossville Rural Fire Brigade, while the destroyed pizza oven was made into something even more beautiful by its creators, FNQ Earth Building.
Cooktown residents were also quick to lend a hand to their neighbours, with locals stepping up to rebuild or replace lost machinery and infrastructure.
“Our Massey Ferguson tractor was restored by Don Croft, and the [Cooktown] Lions Club mostly restored our 100 kVA generator,” Ms Midgely said.
“Unfortunately, while the motor survived, the generator itself did not. We were incredibly fortunate that Russell Bowman from Tackleworld Lure Shop Cooktown lent us a 90 kVA Cummins generator and allowed us to pay it off a year later.
“Whipper snippers, mowers and chainsaws were restored for the cost of parts by a generous local fellow in Cooktown — bless his heart.”
With the 2026 Wallaby Creek Festival dates confirmed for 25-27 September, Ms Midgely said it was thanks to the countless hours volunteers poured into ensuring the iconic annual celebration of music and art survived.
“So many people came to help, and we are deeply grateful for every hand that assisted in resurrecting the site,” she said.
“Like a phoenix, it rose, better than before.”
A twisted tangle of wreckage left behind at the Wallaby Creek Festival site after ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Photo: Supplied.
